The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-01-29
O'DONOVAN'S DIGGINGS.
The Tragedy and Romance At
tached to Them.


tached to Them.
Right on the blooming portal of the
Garden of the Gods, Manitou nestles
securely in the rugged bosom of the
Tountains which crown the beauty of
Colorado. 1t was in this enchanted
region, one May morning, that a party
of six, with three on horseback, passed
under the shadow of that bold pinnacle
known as the Temple of Isis. Unlike
many regions rich in mineralogical
deposit, it presented very little barren
surface soil. The background and
drapery of fresh verdure; trees and
blooming shrubs cast their shadows in
the water, and there were flowers every
where.
The girl in a dark green habit, who
rode forward by the side of a young
man on foot and dressed as cowboy,
reined up her horse for moment, and
looked from the verdant depths of the
valley below, away off to the white
capped summit of Pixies Peak.
''Do you know" she said, suddenly,
sit hardly seems possible, that in one
days time you can pass from the midst
of all this''-shc swept her hand over
the blooming landscape-"to q region
of perpetual snow. Have you ever been
up the mountain before, Mr.. Dwight"
"No," replied her companion, who
carried geological sack and hammer
over his shoulder "You see l have
faken two guides with me. Rather
hard-looking fellows, aren't theyp''
She glanced over her shoulder at the
two other men on foot, whose ill looks
she had remarked before, thinking how
apt strong mans character was to
show through his clothes. Henry Dwight
wore the same sort of soft leather
trousers, and jacket lined with deer
skin, the same stout boots, and light
felt hat, with the broad silk band of a
modified sombrero; but he was very
different-looking fellow, for all that
"You tried your best to look like
them, didn't youP" she said, with some
amusement, as she marked the uncon-
scious grace of his very negligence.
His jacket was open, and displayed a
blue flannel shirt collared with red
handkerchief, which was vastly be-
coming.
II don't know" he said, carelessly.
''These are really the best clothes for
the purpose. These men know how
TO dress, in their way, as we'll as
we do"
''How do they look at this expedition,
anyhow They must think it very
Arrange that you are going all the way
up the mountain just to chip off the
rocks. What is this peculiar formation
you talk about?"
''It is rare appearance of aurifer-
GUS pyrites, l think; but am going to
find out. The men don't think much
about it, guess. Besides, they have
the privilege of prospecting by the way,
if they like"
'What would you do if you were to
find u gold mineP" she asked suddenly.
''That is hard question to ask beg
gar like me, he said; but from the way
his eyes rested on her delicate profile,
one might suppose she would have some
power over his will, II want so many
things" he added, laughing. II have
an omnivorous taste. don't know
but that I should want every thing"
"You could probably get it, if you
had gold NINE"
'There are some things wouldn't
care to buy" he said, in low tone,
''If thought the gold mine would give
me what want most, shouldn't care
for it any longer."
Talk about woman inconsistency"
she said, glancing down at the strong,
Supple brown hand that had taken her
horse's bride to guide him over little
chasm.
"There is one thing should have done
this morning if l had had Il gold mine" !"
he remarked.
"What was that?"
81 should have bought watch. l
smashed mine last week in that fall l
had in the hangman's gully, and I had
to start off without it. always feel lost
without a watch"
"Take mine," she said, drawing out
a dainty timepicce of Etruscan gold,
and chain from which depended a
little gold compass in the shape of
charm.
"Oh, I couldn't think Of such thing,
Miss Louise! Fancy cowboy carrying
thing like that! should be sure to
break it,"
mo, you WON'T" she said, impera-
lively. "Put it around your neck like a
locket."
"Really, Miss Louise, I'd rather
not"
"But wish it." she said. with a